FSB may be responsible for cyberattacks response system

A document issued on the Russian legal information website on Friday stated that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) may expand its authority in the state system of detection and management of cyberattacks.

In the draft, a proposal has been put forth to amend the president’s decree on establishment of the state system of detection, prevention and elimination of consequences of cyberattacks on Russian digital resources. The President’s decree was announced on January 15, 2013. The amendments if accepted will entrust the FSB with ensuring the maintenance of this system.

The document stated that the FSB should “organize and carry out work on ensuring operation of the state system and control it.”

President Vladimir Putin signed a package of government bills in July to protect the critical information infrastructure against cyberattacks into law. Legally the critical infrastructure includes government digital systems and telecommunication networks, nuclear and aerospace industries, among other areas.

According to the bill, creating malware and causing damage to critical infrastructure may be punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. The law will be enforced on January 1, 2018.